Method of transforming a closed landfill or remedial site into a self-storage facility

ABSTRACT

A method of transforming a closed landfill or cleaned remedial site into a self-storage facility is disclosed. Permanent or mobile structures having a plurality individually accessible storage area constructed and placed on the closed landfill or cleaned remedial site.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] My invention relates to using closed landfills or cleaned remedial sites as locations for permanent or temporary self-storage facilities.

BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Landfills and remedial sites typically comprise many tens of acres of land that are typically located near metropolitan or populous areas. This close proximity can be beneficial from an economic point of view if such a site has commercial value after it is finished operating as a landfill or after it has been remediated. Landfills typically consist of areas in which waste is disposed (disposal cells) and surrounding areas which do not receive waste for disposal (buffer zone). Once a disposal cell is filled to capacity it is covered with a protective cap consisting of soil which may also incorporate drainage media and a low permeability synthetic membrane. In some instances only portions of a disposal cell are closed and capped and new or existing disposal cells continue to accept refuse and other waste materials. These closed cells are seldom used for any commercial purposes. Likewise, a remedial site that has been cleaned of toxic materials and other environmentally harmful materials is typically capped in a manner similar to a landfill. Like the closed landfill, the cleaned remedial site is of limited commercial value because of the site's history and the environmental issues involved. For such properties to be converted to commercial use requires large capital expenditures and therefore such conversions seldom occur and the land sits for many years unused. Additionally, owners of such closed sites incur substantial costs because the law requires that the owners continue to monitor and maintain the sites, typically for a period of 30 years. To offset the post-closure liabilities, there exists a need to economically use or transform these closed sites into commercially useful and revenue generating properties.

[0003] My invention takes these closed landfill and/or remedial sites and transforms them into self-storage facilities where residents in the neighboring areas can rent or lease individual in-closed or open storage spaces, thereby generating income for the owners of the closed sites.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF MY INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of my invention to transform a closed landfill or cleaned remedial site into revenue generating commercial businesses, such as self-storage spaces.

[0005] Another object is to construct permanent or mobile structures comprising a plurality of individual storage spaces on closed landfill and/or remedial sites.

[0006] Yet another object of my invention is to use the existing infrastructure of the landfill or remedial sites to provide a secure perimeter for self-storage spaces or units that are rented or leased to the general public. This infrastructure typically incorporates fencing and gates, and in many cases includes security systems, heavy duty paved access roads and buildings which may be used to support the operation of a self-storage business.

[0007] Accordingly, my invention relates to a facility for renting individual storage spaces or units comprising, a footprint of property comprising all or a portion of a landfill or a cleaned remedial site an allocated area of spaces for outdoor uncovered storage; collection of permanent or mobile structures having multiple individual storage spaces, each storage space having a separate means for accessing the storage space; a system of roadways providing access to each storage space; a secure perimeter enclosing the facility; and an office for managing the access to and rental of the storage spaces.

[0008] Moreover, my invention also involves a method of transforming a landfill or cleaned remedial sites to a multi-user storage facility, comprising, defining a footprint of property comprising all or a portion of a landfill or cleaned remedial site; areas allocated for outside, uncovered storage; constructing a collection of permanent or mobile structures having multiple individual storage spaces, each storage space having a separate means for accessing the storage space; providing a system of roadways allowing access to each storage space; and providing a secure perimeter around the storage facility, including a gated security entrance.

[0009] These and other objects will be more evident and apparent from the following, more particular, description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] According to one aspect of my invention, a storage facility is disclosed that is located on either all or a portion of a landfill or on a cleaned remedial site. The storage facility includes one or more structures that are either permanent fixtures or mobile in nature. These structures contain a plurality of storage spaces, each having a secure, private and individual access. The storage spaces can vary in size from a large closet to a size that could hold several rooms of a typical residential home. The storage facility, if desired, also accommodate spaces for outdoor storage, including items such as, boats, trailers, vehicles and the like. These outdoor storage spaces would typically be uncovered locations.

[0011] As mentioned, the structures are either permanent or mobile. Mobility would be required in the case where the storage facility would have to be physically relocated to another footprint at the site. This may be necessary for environmental reasons. In either case, it is desirable that any structures located above capped disposal cells not require typical below ground foundations or footings. This is because the landfill or remedial site will usually have a cap, which could be compromised by such foundations or footings. A typical foundation or footing would penetrate this cap and may be in violation of the government closure and post-closure regulations governing the site. Accordingly, the self-storage structures of my invention will either be placed in the buffer area or will require non-traditional slab foundations or other shallow support structures mechanisms that will not penetrate the cap. The specific design of the foundation system is not critical as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the protective cap.

[0012] In addition to the structures having the plurality of self-storage spaces, my invention includes a system of roadways that allow the rental customers to access the storage spaces for loading and unloading stored goods. The specific type of roadway is not important as long as it will support cars and light to medium trucks or vans. Asphalt is the preferred type of roadway, but cement, gravel or other roadway bed material will also work. Because landfills and remedial sites typically have roadways in place, my invention contemplates use of all or part of the existing roadways.

[0013] Because the storage spaces will likely be filled with household items or other valuable goods, a secure perimeter is needed to protect the storage facility from theft, vandalism, or other acts that might cause harm to the facility or the materials stored within. Because landfills and remedial sites typically have security fencing in place, my invention contemplates use of all or part of the existing security fencing and gated security entrance. Ingress and egress to the facility could be controlled and monitored by the site owner or be separately handled by a facility manager. In the latter case, a manager's office would be included as part of the structures making up the self-storage facility.

[0014] The preceding embodiments of my invention are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention but, rather, it is intended that all equivalent means other than those specifically described herein be within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A facility for renting individual storage space or storage units comprising, a) a footprint of property comprising all or a portion of a landfill or a cleaned remedial site; b) a collection of permanent or mobile structures having multiple individual storage spaces, each storage space having a separate means for accessing the storage space; c) a system of roadways providing access to each storage space; c) a secure perimeter enclosing the facility; and d) an office for managing the access to and rental of the storage spaces.
 2. A method of transforming a landfill or cleaned remedial sites to a multi-user storage facility, comprising, a) defining a footprint of property comprising all or a portion of a landfill or cleaned remedial site; b) constructing a collection of permanent or mobile structures having multiple individual storage spaces, each storage space having a separate means for accessing the storage space; c) providing a system of roadways allowing access to each storage space; and d) providing a secure perimeter around the storage facility, including a gated security entrance. 